The Journey of Art - Alexander Manuel

How has the Arts impacted your life?
Art has allowed me to grow internally, express myself fully, and be open to others. It kept my imagination and curiosity alive. Taught me that there is liberation and connection in exploring your feelings then lending those feeling in order to tell someone else's story in hopes to relate to and understand one another.

How did you get begin your professional acting career?
My first paying gig was playing a murder suspect in a crime reenactment show on cable. It was a self-submit off Actors Access. I read the breakdown and thought I might be able to pull it off. Went to the audition and just played pretend. Sometimes the best acting comes from just playing and not trying to be some deep enlightened person but just going back to when you was five years old and thought you was Wolverine from X-Men and going with whatever that energy is.

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What has been your favorite role thus far and why?
My favorite role so far was playing Paul in a production of "Den Of Thieves" because he was so imperfect, and annoying and a know-it-all. Plus, it was the first thing I ever did that my family and friends could come out and watch live. Since majority of my work is on camera it felt like bring your family and friends to work day. All I remember is my best friend's loud obnoxious but contagious laugh during the play and the way my family smiled at me after the play and that's why it's my favorite.  

What kind of training or classes have you had thus far? What was the benefit?
I have studied at Stella Adler, The People's Improv Theatre, and HB Studios. I like researching different techniques then mixing them up and seeing what works for me. I think the benefit of taking classes is being with classmates and having people to play with. Acting is a team sport you can shoot in your backyard by yourself all you want but eventually you got to have some one to play with, play against, and learn from. Seeing others work and saying "Wow, that was a smart and interesting choice I can sort of see how they got there. I'll try to remember that for myself" then showing your interpretations in front of other human beings. Safest way to find out what you got.

What is an ideal role for you?
I don't really have an ideal role. Whether it's a comedy or drama I just want to play something my community can recognize, be proud of, see themselves in and enjoy.

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